FRIDAY-SATURDAY
Somewhat Sci-Fi Variety Show
Judging by the mass popularity of "Fringe," "Sons of Anarchy," "Game of Thrones" and "Dr. Who," one thing is clear: Nerds rule in 2012. But even those shows' most avid fans are probably not all that familiar with the culture surrounding the science-fiction universe. With this variety show, the performing arts intersect with geekdom in an evening of dance, music, short film and performance. The lineup includes comedy from Bryce Davidson, music from Anne Johnson and Nora Figi and dance by Patrick's Cabaret program director Arturo Miles. Regardless of your level of geekery, it's bound to be two appropriately out-there nights. (7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Patrick's Cabaret, 3010 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. 612-724-6273. www.patrickscabaret.org.) JAHNA PELOQUIN
OPENING
'Fifty Shades of White: A Minnesota XXXmas'
Brave New Workshop trims its tree and hangs the mistletoe with a satirical jab at the season. The cast is pretty much the same as the one that just skewered politics for the past four months in "The Rainbow Election" -- Lauren Anderson, Josh Eakright, Taj Ruler, Andy Hilbrands and Bobby Gardner. Expect something new and something familiar in the array of sketches and songs. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. $26-$35. Ends Jan. 12. Brave New Workshop, 824 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-332-6620 or www.bravenewworkshop.com.) GRAYDON ROYCE
SATURDAY
Neil Hamburger
Greasy, phlegm-riddled and intentionally hackey, Neil "America's Funnyman" Hamburger took the anti-comedy torch from Tony Clifton in the '90s and ran with it. The character -- played by Gregg Turkington -- has performed at Madison Square Garden, but the punk-chummy lounge lizard will feel right at home at the Turf. If you dug Andy Kauffman or currently dig Tim & Eric, the inimitable Hamburger's abrasive dud of an act will have you in stitches. His latest album, "Incident in Cambridge, Mass.," is available for $4 online. (10 p.m. Sat. $12. Turf Club, 1601 W. University Av., St. Paul. 651-647-0486 or www.turfclub.net.) JAY BOLLER
WEDNESDAY-NEXT SATURDAY
Hannibal Buress
Already a comic's comic at 29, Buress has had praise heaped his way by the likes of Aziz Ansari, Jim Gaffigan and Chris Rock. The hype is justified, too, as the wildly inventive and mellow-yet-cutting standup has made serious headway since beginning his career homeless in New York City. The Chicago native and former "SNL" writer scored his first hourlong Comedy Central special, "Animal Furnace," earlier this year. Buress could easily be playing theaters in a couple of years, so don't miss this club gig. (8 p.m. Wed.; 8 & 10:30 p.m. Fri-Sat. $20. 18 & older. Acme Comedy Co., 708 N. 1st St. Mpls. 612-338-6393 orwww.acmecomedycompany.com.) J.B.
